Lealiifano 'humbled' to join Ulster after leukaemia recovery
Ulster's newest signing Christian Lealiifano say the goal of playing rugby again kept him motivated as he battled to recover from leukaemia.
The 29-year-old Australian international has joined from the Brumbies on a 5-month-loan, and will return for the start of the Super Rugby campaign.
The 18-cap Wallaby will fill in at out-half after Paddy Jackson was indefinitely ruled out while legal proceedings take place.
Lealiifano was only diagnosed in August of 2016, and says a return to the sport kept him focussed as the disease caused him to lose 14kg in less than a fortnight.
"All I could do was take it day to day, enjoy each day for what it was and be positive about whatever the day threw at you. Tomorrow could finish you, and you're six feet under. Rugby was the end goal, it's where I wanted to get to," he said.
"I'm really, really, truly grateful for the opportunity to play rugby again. My health was number one, to be a father and a dad to my little boy - so to play rugby again is a bonus."
"I'm humbled that a team still values what I can produce and what I can do. To think that I couldn't play rugby again, then to have this opportunity is truly rewarding."
"The last 12 months have been a big emotional drain too, so to finally get back and play has been really rewarding."
Playing abroad was an ambition Lealiifano quietly harboured, but the Ulster link quickly developed thanks to his agent Clinton Schifoske, who played for Ulster between 2008 and 2010.
"He spoke really highly of Ulster, and I was really interested in the history of the club. It was something we explored a little bit, and we got interested in the UK."
"It's something that I've looked into each time contract renewals come around. To have this opportunity where all parties are ok with it, I definitely had to jump at it."
With limited time in Belfast, and a club in need of experience at out-half, Lealiifano is determined to make an impact during his spell at the Kingspan.
"Over the years I've developed a lot of experience leading the side around as a playmaker. I'm someone who plays an attacking style of rugby."
"Where the staff and team feel I can add value then I'm happy to play there, but I am happy at ten. Ulster have some talented guys in the backline and I'm excited to work with them," he said.
Lealiifano is expected to make his Ulster debut when the Pro14 season begins at home to the Cheetahs on Friday the 1st of September.